What are the benefits and effects of Calendula? This article explains in detail for you

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a plant of the genus Calendula in the family Asteraceae. In ancient Western times, calendula was used as medicine or dye, and also in cosmetics or as food. Its leaves and petals are edible and used as a garnish for dishes. It originates from southern Europe. It has medicinal value in reducing inflammation and fighting bacteria, clearing heat and reducing internal heat, and treating acne and pimples. Below we will introduce the benefits and effects of calendula in detail.

The Benefits and Effects of Calendula

The benefits of calendula:

Composition: Calendula contains carotene, lycopene, violaxanthin, rubixanthin, volatile oil, resin, mucilage, malic acid and other elements. It is a nutrient-rich flower.

Nature and flavor: Bitter, pungent, salty, slightly warm.

Meridian tropism: Enters the lung, stomach and large intestine meridians.

Benefits: The flowers and leaves of calendula have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, the root can promote the flow of qi and invigorate blood, and the flowers can cool the blood and stop bleeding. The beauty benefits of calendula cannot be ignored either; it has a highly moisturizing effect on dry skin.

The effects of calendula:

1. Blood lipid-lowering effect: The saponins in calendula can reduce serum cholesterol, free fatty acids, phospholipids, beta-lipoprotein, total lipids and triglycerides in rats with experimental hyperlipidemia, and also have a lowering effect on total liver lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides.

2. Stimulating effect: The polysaccharide components in calendula have a strong immunostimulatory effect.

3. Sedative effect: Calendula flower extract has a sedative effect on the central nervous system and can reduce reflex excitability; intravenous injection can lower blood pressure, enhance cardiac activity, increase heartbeat amplitude and slow heart rate.

4. Medicinal effect: It can promote bile secretion and accelerate wound healing. In European folk tradition, there is a custom of taking calendula flower orally to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, liver and gallbladder disorders, and so on. If used for digestive tract cancer, it can reduce symptoms of poisoning and improve appetite, sleep, and so on, and it is also used by some for irregular menstruation.

5. As tea: Calendula is suitable for brewing on its own or pairing with green tea. Brew with one large spoon of dried calendula petals, cover and steep for about 3 to 5 minutes. The golden tea set off by the floating golden petals has a delicate fragrance, and when drunk it is sweet with a slight bitterness. Honey can be added for flavor.

6. Softening hair: Do not worry if your hair is dry and yellowed; calendula can also help you solve this problem. Add calendula to shampoo and wash your hair together with it. With long-term persistence, your hair will become smoother.

7. Reducing inflammation: In European folk tradition, calendula is applied externally for various inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes, and can also treat many kinds of ailments.

8. Beauty: Calendula is rich in multiple vitamins, especially vitamin A and vitamin C. It can prevent pigment deposition, improve skin luster and elasticity, slow aging, and prevent skin sagging and wrinkles.

How to consume calendula

Now that we have some understanding of the benefits and effects of calendula, let us look at how to consume calendula. The most common and simplest method is brewing it as tea. Put one large spoon of dried calendula petals into a teacup, brew with boiling water, cover and steep for about 3-5 minutes. The golden herbal tea set off by the floating golden petals has a delicate fragrance, and when drunk it tastes slightly bitter. You can add an appropriate amount of honey for flavor.

Every medicine has some toxicity. It is suggested that when you have a mild cold, you might as well drink calendula tea. It helps reduce fever and also clears heat and lowers internal heat. It also has the effect of relieving spasms and promoting digestion, and is extremely suitable for patients with digestive system ulcers. In addition, calendula tea can also promote blood circulation and relieve alcohol poisoning, so it has the effect of protecting and nourishing the liver.